Benchmarks – June 2014

Transcription

Benchmarks – June 2014
Benchmarks
A publication of the SCWTCA, Inc.
volume 42, number 2
June 2014
GCH Greentree Keepsake Surfin USA x CH Sundance Order Of The Irish Rose
Owners/Breeders:
Susan & Donald Wuerz
& Juliana McKamey
Officers and Directors of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, Inc.
Gary Vlachos, President
Sewickley, PA 15143
412.741.9424
Kayce Healy, Corresponding Secretary
Castle Pines, CO 80108
503.348.8495
Connie Koehler, Director
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
310.717.4804
Karen Mueller, Vice President
Etowah, NC 28729
828.891.9681
Pat Mullin, Treasurer
Redwood City, CA 94065
650.867.2935
Rose Rose, Director
Dublin, CA 94568
925.833.8292
Carol Carlson, Recording Secretary
Paradise, PA 17562
717.442.4543
Deborah Van De Ven, Director
Southborough, MA 01772
702.308.9542
Cindy Shea, Director
Foristell, MO 63348
314.691.2760
Benchmarks Editor
Molly O’Connell, 7912 South Vincennes Way, Centennial, CO 80112
phone: 303.718.3701 e-mail: moconn1030@comcast.net
Table of Contents
From the President...........................................................................................................4-5
From the Editor....................................................................................................................5
Celebrating Long Life.....................................................................................................6-8
Open Registry......................................................................................................................8
The Devil’s Advocate...................................................................................................10-11
Championship and Performance Titles........................................................................12-13
Northern California Specialty.......................................................................................14-17
Lulu Always Makes Me Laugh.........................................................................................18
Using the DNA Marker Test.......................................................................................20-23
Breeding Combinations Chart...........................................................................................24
Del Val Specialty Weekend..........................................................................................26-28
Understanding the NutriScan Test...............................................................................29-31
Remembering Bob Nerrie.................................................................................................34
Marijuana Toxicity in Dogs..............................................................................................36
MA: A Discussion with Dr. Shelly Vaden..................................................................37-40
New Members...................................................................................................................41
Subscription Information..................................................................................................42
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 3
From the President
by Gary Vlachos
Today at church our assistant rector had the pulpit
and while his sermon was tied to the Gospel, I saw a
parallel for us as individuals, breeders, and members
of SCWTCA.
His story in brief was of his own experience in
college as a pledge to a fraternity. The final “leg” of
his induction involved being taken to a woodland
park in the dead of night. He was simply instructed
to follow the path. Along the path he was aware of
his “aloneness”as the sounds of the night surrounded
him. Out of that darkness a person appeared and
asked, “Who are you?” He answered, “I am ....” As
he continued his journey, a second person came forth
and asked, “Where are you from?” He answered
again. A third encounter from the shadows posed this
question to him: “Where are you going?” With more
introspection than before, he answered. Finally at
the end of the path, he came upon a bridge and was
greeted by the man who would become his big brother
in the fraternity. His “brother” welcomed him into the
fellowship and assured him as they walked over the
bridge together that he would never have to cross a
bridge alone again.
Now some of you may think this is all kinda
schmaltzy! Okay, maybe it is, but I see so many
parallels in this story to our journeys in becoming
members of SCWTCA.
Who are you? Are you simply a name? What is
behind that name? What experiences are the essence
of that name? What has brought that name to us?
Where are you from? A specific place? Or does the
question ask what is your life history that has brought
you to this point?
Where are you going? What are your needs and
aspirations? I think this is the question that determines
if indeed you as an individual and we as a group share
the same values and goals.
Indeed there are many parallels between my rector’s
journey into his fraternity and our journey in
becoming members of SCWTCA. Why make that
journey? Why not just be a college student? Why not
just be a breeder of Wheatens? I think it has a lot to do
with the final part of the journey: “You will never have
to cross a bridge alone again.”
Surely we can exist as individuals in this sport. But
what membership brings to us is immeasurable. From
the friendships we forge, the information we share,
and the framework that our club provides to pursue
our passions of all things Wheaten, we are a fraternity.
Within this fraternity what truly sets us apart from the
others? It is our Code of Ethics.
Our Code of Ethics is what separates us from the
puppy millers, backyard breeders, and internet
entrepreneurs. When we are asked by the public why
we are different from the aforementioned, how many
times have you heard yourself saying, “As a member
of SCWTCA we have to follow our Code of Ethics in
all of our breeding practices.” Now, that sounds pretty
impressive, but do we always? Of course not! There
is not a tome out there that defines moral and social
conduct on any level for any group that is followed
absolutely to the letter. After all we are human. But
it also doesn’t mean we conveniently ignore it either.
What good are we if we do not strive to adhere to the
code that defines us?
As members we should always try to adhere to our
Code of Ethics. Also as members we should be aware
when fellow members stray from that code. You may
be able to help them. Remember, in this process we
never have to cross bridges alone again! Perhaps it’s a
personal call... “Is there anything I can do to help you
right now?” It could be a refusal to supply a stud dog
if you know the circumstances are not ideal. What we
don’t want to do is to ignore the reality of situations
gone bad. We cannot be enablers! What value does our
membership have, what credence does our statement,
“as a member of SCWTCA we have to follow our
Code of Ethics in all of our breeding practices” carry
if we are indifferent to it within our own ranks?
Of course, common sense must always prevail. I am
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 4
happy to say in my many years on the Board I have
been aware of many stumbles, and only a few falls.
For the most part the individuals either on their own or
with the help of friends pick themselves up and move
forward across that bridge. On just a few occasions the
path of the club and the path of the individual has had
to separate. Most often it is the individual who decides
this. Rarely has it been the case where the Board has
moved on this disaffiliation.
No matter the circumstances, we must remember
that while our associations make us strong, so do our
disassociations! As long as we recognize who we are,
where we are from, where we are going, and we wish
to walk that path and cross those bridges together, we
will always be proud to say we are members of the
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America.
From the Editor
by Molly O’Connell
I don’t know where my journey will take me, but I
I hope more of you will think about advertising your
hope, as Gary says, I do not cross my next bridge
dogs - this a great venue for showcasing them not only
alone. It is time to move on. For the past four years I to the subscribers, but to the more than 200 judges
have edited Benchmarks. With the first issue, I didn’t
who receive it. There are also untold numbers of those
even know how to open a document in the software
who access Benchmarks through the website. We all
program. I’ve come a long way, baby. Maybe I’ll
love to see photos!! Admit it, isn’t that what you look
become a full-time, paid editor. NOT, as my high
at first when you open the issue, either online or in
school kids loved to say.
print?
The first two years - eight issues - that I produced
was during a health crisis for me. I was undergoing
chemotherapy each time I designed, laid out, and
edited an issue; however, I pressed forward and found
that the job was a bit easier the following two years!
I have a few hopes for the future of this venerable
magazine:
I hope that folks with something to say will step
forward and offer a column to the editor.
I hope those who contribute to each issue will honor
the time and deadlines of the editor so each issue can
be produced with as little stress as possible.
I hope new SCWTCA members will contribute their
background and photos to the membership chair for
inclusion in the magazine.
I hope more members will contribute to Celebrating
Long Life. You can share stories (and endearing
quirks) of your oldtimers or honor a dear friend who
has recently departed. I’m so happy I shared my
stories of Annabelle (who died September 2013) and
Siouxie (March 2014) before they each left me.
I hope the Board will agree to combine Benchmarks
and the Health Newsletter for a comprehensive
magazine that showcases all facets of the Wheaten
Terrier. I don’t mean health issues that pertain
solely to our breed; instead, that nutrition, vaccines,
treatment for illnesses etc. can be included that should
be of interest to all us dog owners.
On to the June issue. Why yes, there are some
interesting health articles! Now, I didn’t include the
marijuana article because Colorado has legalized the
drug, though it may have caught my attention for
that reason. Please check out Dr. Jean Dodds’ new
test for allergies (NutriScan). A number of our dogs
suffer from allergies of an indeterminate nature and
for which we often go through lengthy food trials to
find the cause. Although pricey, Dr. Dodds does have
a saliva test which should provide the answers you
are looking for. And it might NOT be pricey if you
are going to spend a small fortune changing foods,
undergoing allergy testing, or other similar actions.
Read the endearing and funny story of one of our
many rescue dog successes. You’ll nod your head and
chuckle when you read Lulu’s adventures.
I hope your days are long and your hearts are warm to friendship and our beloved Wheatens!
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 5
Celebrating Long Life
CH Winterwheat Kinsey’s Kandi Kiss “Kandi”
(CH Meirleac's Quarterback Sneak x CH Winterwheat Galway Klassic)
DOB April 1, 2001
Montgomery that October. Too young to be entered
that year, she went along to support her Wheaten
sister, CH Galway K is for Kinsey. Unbeknownst to
us, she escaped from our hotel room and was scooped
up by a kind hotel guest (I think it might have been
Barb Smith), who walked around with her and tried to
determine to whom she belonged. Fortunately, Kandi
knew and went crazy when she saw us. We learned
very quickly that we needed to keep a closer eye on
Kandi.
A friend of mine once told me, “Be careful what you
name your Wheaten. Often the dog takes on the
personality of the name.” That statement could not
be truer when it comes to our very own Kandi Kiss.
She has always been a very sweet dog and takes every
opportunity possible to give everyone a kiss.
Kandi came to us in 2001 as a puppy from her breeder,
Bette Eckstrom. She went with us to her very first
It is hard to believe that she is 13. She has the same
beautiful, silky coat that she had as a pup. She still
chases the vacuum and runs to her crate when
someone sneezes. She sleeps a little more soundly now,
and her hearing is not quite as good as it once was, but
she still is, and always will be, our sweet little Kandi
Kiss.
Owners: Karen and Geoff Bilda
Breeder: Bette Eckstrom
Sea Mist Brewster of Ivywild “Brew” or “The Captain”
(CH Doubloon’s Expresso x CH Ivywild’s Star Billing)
October 19, 1999 – December 6, 2013
Brew was my boy and I was his person. We said goodbye when it was plain that his time had come. His age
just caught up with him and it had become much too
hard for him to get around and to have the quirky joy
in life that was an intrinsic part of his being. He tried
always to know where I was and what was happening
all around him, but that became harder as his sight and
hearing deteriorated. He was a sweet boy, and I shall
miss him every day. He will be my boy forever.
Owner: Sandy Hurd
Breeders: Genie and Bob Kline
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 6
Katdancer Irish Lace “Lacey”
(CH Wheaten Rebel’s Odessa File ROM x CH Duidream Scampi for Escapade)
DOB April 20, 2000
Katdancer Irish Lace, the dog of my heart, celebrated
her 14th birthday on Easter Sunday and was given an
elaborate bonnet fashioned for her by a friend. Lacey
wore it with grace and seemed amused by the
spectacle. She still likes to sleep on my bed and is
determined that breakfast should be served at 4:00
a.m. or earlier. She then likes to go back to sleep for
another two or three hours. She is from my first litter
and taught me so much...
Years ago when Lacey was a stubborn adolescent, we
were often locking horns, so my vet suggested I try her
in agility. Lacey loved it and introduced me to a sport
that I also love. Through Lacey and agility, I've made
many close friends and enjoyed weekends running in
the dirt. Before retiring from competition, she earned
her MXP and MJP titles and many, many first-place
ribbons. She still loves to do the obstacles, especially
the dog walk, as evidenced by the photo taken of her
this April, but we've dropped the bars to four inches to
minimize the impact on her neck and shoulders. She
is nearly deaf now but
still completes courses
correctly, watching me
intently for signals of the
next obstacle. Happy
birthday, Lacey!
Breeder/Owner: Lee
Martin
Shenanigan Jump n Jehosophat “Wrigley” CD RA OAJ NA NAP NAJP (CH Jendu Ante Up x CH Shenanigan Second Edition CD)
February 27, 1998 - January 27, 2014
Even when he went blind at a young nine years old, he
still wanted to jump, and we were able to teach him by
touch, to jump his jumps in the backyard. He got so
good at it, you almost couldn't tell he was blind!
He got his first conformation major his first time out,
and we remember one judge saying, "he's a man's kind
of Wheaten" because he held himself in such a stately
manner.
Wrigley was our first dog and our first Wheaten, so we
always expected him to live with us for a long time. He
was a very special dog for almost 16 years. Even
though he ran out of the obedience ring at his first
performance trial, even though he barked at the
placement platform at his first BOB win, he was a very
special Wheaten. He loved agility. It was his favorite
"job." He couldn't wait for his turn to go, barking at
the other dogs as if to say, "hurry up, it's my turn!"
We were the lucky ones - to have him fill and enrich
our lives as only a dog can. We thank Lorie Toivola
for giving him to us and showing him in the ring. It
was our honor to be his owners and to love him. Keep
jumping Wrigley; even the Rainbow Bridge isn't too
high for you!
Owners: Sue and Bruce Peters
Breeder: Lorie Toivola
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 7
CH Trigo’s Develish Delight “Rosie”
(CH Charwill Slam Dunk x CH Carrigan Trigo Eye O’The Storm)
DOB May 14, 1999 – January 15, 2014
Rosie had a mind of her own from the get-go and was
a wonderful companion for my son Michael for the
last 10 years of her life. Every day when he got out
his car keys, she was at the door and would go to the
gym with him and sleep on her sheepskin rug while
he worked out. Her delight were the walks they took
off lead on the BLM land in Northern New Mexico.
Occasionally she would decide she wanted to jump in
the truck of the organic farmer who lived in the area
and would have to be coaxed out.
Rosie’s health declined in the last six months, and she
left us in January, never to be forgotten. Her lab work
was perfect but her mind and body said enough!
Owner: Michael Butler
Breeder: Nancy Butler
She liked the show ring and flew around it. An
excellent mother, she produced a litter of nine by
CH Aranbriar Adonis. Two of her last litter are alive
and well in New Mexico at age nine even though
ultrasounds showed abnormal kidneys at 10 weeks.
Her big adventure was flying home from Michigan,
having been bred on 9/11, so she spent the next 10
days at a boarding kennel and arrived home having
never missed a beat.
New Open Registry Members
May 2014
The Open Registry is a joint project of SCWTCA-sponsored research at NC State University, University of
PA and the University of Guelph (Canada). Its purpose is to publish information on confirmed cases of genetic
diseases in Wheatens and to maintain health and genetic records for SCWTCA-sponsored research. Dr. Meryl
Littman at Penn maintains the Registry at the request of SCWTCA.
Members of the Open Registry agree to forward pedigrees and medical data for all Soft Coated Wheaten
Terries they own, have owned or bred who may be affected with Protein-losing Enteropathy/Nephropathy,
Addison’s Disease, Renal Dysplasia or Irritable Bowel Disease to the SCWT Open Registry, c/o Dr.
Littman. For membership form, visit SCWTCA web site at http://scwtca.org/documents/health/or_
membershipform_20100630.pdf. For a complete list of Open Registry members, email kccarlson@comcast.net.
Denise Gottlieb
Tina Kaven
Rodney &Shauna Kellard Cheryl Kenper
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 8
Michele Montes-Capton
Michelle & Bill Space
CH Saddlebrook's It All Started With A Big Bang
CH Kincora Tara Life In The Fast Lane x CH Saddlebrook's Pickapocket
Bazinga finished in his first three
weekends from the Bred By Class with
multiple majors.
Saddlebrook Wheatens
Stan and Jinx Moore
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 9
The Devil’s Advocate
by Pam Mandeville
Not Me, Alan, Not Me
of irresponsible owners and unplanned and unwanted
breedings.
“Since we are for all dogs, we support those in the
public who chose a mixed-breed dog from a shelter.”
Alan Kalter
Dog News, April 11, 2014
Alan, you’ve driven me into rant mode. I realize I
sound like Scrooge for getting angry about mixed
breeds and shelters. Of course, I don’t want to see a
dog die or be warehoused…which is a lot different
than saying I’m comfortable with today’s shelter
movement.
What makes me angry, Alan, is YOU said it, not the
head of some animal welfare organization. You are,
after all, the Chairman of the Board of the American
Kennel Club.
Yes, that AKC, the one with this mission statement
and objective…and note my highlights:
AKC Mission: The American Kennel Club is
dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry,
promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding
for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC®
and its affiliated organizations advocate for the
purebred dog as a family companion, advance
canine health and well-being, work to protect the
rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog
ownership.
AKC’s Objective: Advance the study, breeding,
exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred
dogs.
How exactly does adopting a mutt from a shelter
advance any one of those things, Alan?
By definition, a mutt…and you can use the politically
correct “mixed breed” or “All American Dogs” all
you want, buddy, they’re mutts…is the result of
everything antithetical to AKC. They are the epitome
I’ve been cranky about this topic for a while. It all
started with Pedigree. Remember back when their
ads featured top breeders talking about why they feed
Pedigree to their top winning show dogs? Beautifully
produced ads featuring articulate people, clean,
attractive settings and robust, happy puppies. Pedigree
was a presence at dog shows throughout the country
and provided clubs with financial support.
Slowly that changed. First, they moved from
highlighting breeders and winning dogs to “health.”
Then mixed breeds started appearing in their ads.
Soon fewer shows were supported culminating with
the Westminster fiasco: remember that? They used
the broadcast to raise money for shelters, completely
ignoring parent club rescue work. It was clear
Pedigree did the math long before AKC did: there’s
money in mixed breeds and shelter dogs.
Sure, Pedigree is a business. They had put marketing
dollars into something that wasn’t paying back.
Pedigree makes money for its owners…and the
purebred dog world was no longer profitable.
You know all about marketing, don’t you, Alan? The
business you inherited created the Serta sheep and
many other great ad campaigns. So when AKC…
and yeah, dude, you were a member of that Board…
decided it was time to open the doors to mutts, your
marketing expertise jumped right on it, I’ll bet.
So arose AKC Canine Partners™…and don’t forget
that all-important “™”. It’s not a brand without
that, right, Mr. Mad Man? Canine Partners™ allows
owners of mutts to “list” them with AKC and compete
in obedience, rally and agility. Those entry fees are
nice for individual clubs’ treasuries.
But really, Alan, it’s got nothing to do with the
AKC, does it? Read the charter and by-laws of the
organization you head. None of those guys were
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 10
talking about anything except integrity of the registry
and competition…for PUREBRED dogs.
Now, I know you’re all about the future, Alan. You
remind us it’s not our father’s AKC. Being modern
sounds good. But you and I know…rebranding is
tricky at best. Rebranding is changing the story about
a product or service away from what it’s been to
something new. Something that will appeal to a larger,
more receptive audience…but probably not your
previous target. The trick is credibility: the old story
was believable. Will the new story be?
You’re trying to rebrand AKC, Alan. And you have
to know better. You’re trying to say we’re not about
a segment of dogs that resulted from decades of
careful breeding but about every dog ever born. You
think that getting into bed with careless breeding and
irresponsible dog ownership will save AKC.
But really Alan, at the same time you’re turning away
from the people long dedicated to the AKC, what are
you bringing to the table to those who think the best
place to get a dog is at the pound? They can buy stuff
online more cheaply than at the AKC store. They can
donate to other organizations that support dog welfare
and dog health…and Alan, being a cheapskate with
the donation to the AKC Canine Health Foundation
is hardly good PR. They have a multitude of online
information resources that were well-established long
before the AKC discovered Facebook and Twitter or
created WOOFipedia™ …ah, another ™.
Alan, whose AKC are you saving? Because the more
you cater to the “save a mutt” crowd, the more you’re
telling them they’re right and driving them away from
purebred breeders. There’s not very much in your
“new” AKC for me or anyone else I know in dogs…
except, of course, growing registration fees…that
support programs for mutts.
So what am I about? I’m about sound, typey,
beautiful, carefully bred, healthy dogs. Ones that
excel in the ring and field and in the homes and hearts
of their owners.
I’m about purebred dogs.
I’m about the AKC, the one that “Advance(s) the
study, breeding, exhibiting, running, and maintenance
of purebred dogs.”
Remembering Bob
Finally, a note. Our breed lost Bob Nerrie a few
months back. I met Bob and Elaine on the day I
finished my first show dog more than 25 years ago. It
was a great weekend in upstate New York both with
people I knew and these terrific new friends. I’ve
sometimes said my memory of that weekend has a
golden haze over it.
The warmth and the golden haze have never left my
friendship with Bob and Elaine.
Bob Nerrie was just the kind of person I liked. Smart.
Funny. Articulate. Warm. Liberal. Goofy at times.
Soft-hearted often. When John came into my life and
we included visits to Wheaten Regional Park on our
trips to the Bay area, I was pleased they hit it off… but
not at all surprised.
People in dogs have two types of friendships based
mostly on the common interest in dogs and shows.
Despite fun post-show dinners, you know there are
some folks you probably wouldn’t like all that much
without the dogs.
Others…like Bob…become real friends, people you
can share your lives with and ones you wish didn’t live
all the way across the country.
I found it typical Bob loved Vinnie and Rookie so
much. Vinnie’s success belied the challenge he created
for Bob…how to get this dog to perform at ever higher
levels. And Rookie…well, that goofball tested his
humor and patience. Clearly, he loved both dogs not
in spite of those quirks but because of them.
And so that was the Bob I knew, too. Rising to a
challenge. Enjoying the journey. And never forgetting
his sense of humor along the way.
Our hearts are sore because Bob’s gone but they are
fuller for having known him.
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 11
SCWT CHAMPION and PERFORMANCE TITLES
January – March, 2014
Compiled by Sheila O’Connell
DOG
Ch Acacia's Appointed By The Queen
Almar's Miss Cassandra BN RN
Ch Almar's Toast To Cela
Ch Aran Walks On Water
MACH6 Ballybae Katie's Uptown Girl CD MXS2 MJG2
MXF
Bear XI CGCA
Ch Bryr Rose Lillet's Monsieur Cooper
GCh Bryr Rose Phoenix Rising
Ch Cadenza Opus Three Rigaudon Encore
Callaghan's It's A Bugs Life CGC
Casey Teddy RE
Ch Cashel's Oban On Ice
Catharnach Cormac Sgt Sullivan CD BN GN RAE CGC
GCh Ceili's Time To Shine NAJ
Chergold Tanzanite Girl CDX RE
Ch Clover's Moonstruck Reflection Of Greentree
Cuileann Take A Chance On Me CDX RAE
Ch Doubloon's All That Glitters
Ch Doubloon's Southern Charm
MACH3 Dunfrae's Red Gate Renegade MXC MJB2 OF
Ch Eringlo Dancing Through Life BN TD MX MXJ NAP
NJP
Eringlo Riverdance AX AXJ
Ch Eringlo Uncanny Cashew CD BN PCD GN RA
Ch Frolic's If The Shoes Fit
Ch Gemstone Sailors Good Fortune
Ch Geragold Maximum Joy NA NAJ AXP AJP
Geragold Paper Gangster At Vineyard NA AXJ
Geragold Rage Hard RN MX MXJ MXP MJP NF OFP
CGC
Gleanngay Hullabaloo Square One RN MX MXJ MJS XF
T2B
Gradaigh O'Riley Of Vermilion OA OAJ
Ch Greentree Buddy's Charm
Ch Haldane Minsmere Sun Seeker
Ch Heirloom Hey Good Lookn' BN RN CGC
Ch Heirloom Kaitlen Fly Me To The Moon OA NAJ
Ch Heirloom Take A Chance On Me NA NAJ NJP
Ch Heirloom To Infinity And Beyond BN RN AX OAJ
NAP OJP CA
Ch MACH5 PACH Heirloom Truly Irresistible RN
MXB3 MJB3 MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX OF
Holweit's Red Grenadine RN THD CGCA
Jethro NA NAJ MXP MJP4 MJPB NF XFP CGC
Ch Keepsake's Soul Surfer
Kilronan Ziggy Stardust AX OAJ CGC
Lexis Fashion Junkie RE MXP6 MXPS MJP6 MJPS
Ch Lil'Town Mandi Flirt Of Ardnacassa
Ch Lismore Band Of Brothers
Ch Lismore I Like Ike
Ch Lismore V For Victory
Little Guy Quigley MX AXJ
Ch Marquee's Sweet Home Alabama
Ch Marymore Essence Of Starlight
GCh Melandees Join'N The All Boys Club
Ch O'Lorcan's Mystery Writer
Orion Trébol Hot House Flower CDX BN
Orion Trébol Hot Off The Press VCD2 BN GN RAE MX
AXJ MXP MJP OF
Ch Orion Trébol Hot On The Leader Board BN RE OA
OAJ NAP NJP OF
Orion's Cool Your Jets CD OA AXJ MXP3 MXPB MJP2
MJPB OFP
SIRE
Ch Whindancer's Heart Like A Wheel
Buckwheat Emperor Over The Sea
GCh Mother's Finest Born To Be Animagical
Ch Legacy The Grail
DAM
Ch Acacia's Hot Lava
Ch Crispas Extravaganzia
Bon Aquarel Beauty At Almar
Ch Aran Nobody Does It Better
Ch Bryr Rose Degas
Magnun Dolly's Howie
GCh Lochlinear Gleanngay Cha Ching
Ch Bryr Rose Nouvelle Vague
Ch Reflections All You Need Is Love
Charlie Of River Cottage
Ch Ballybae Rosie's Katie Too
Walker's Sweet Sasha
Ch Bryr Rose FrenCh Kiss
Ch Bryr Rose Flower Power
Ch Kriskennyperfecttoniccadence
Woodland Come With Me Mae
GCh Greentree Moonstruck Mombo Man
Catharnach's Aran Fisherman
Ch Duidream Quicktime
Ch Kildimo's Boys Of Blue Hill
Ch Wheaten Rebel's Nelson For Navy
Ch Villa Rosas Felyan
Ch Harmony Robber Barron
GCh Gleanngay Legend Of The Grail
Ch Islander's Jamakin Me Krazy
Ch Eringlo Rise Above The Mist
Ch Eringlo Rise Above The Mist
Ch Krisaire Triple Crown Of York
Ch Baroque Top Shelf Hurrikane
Ch Honeylee's Bye My Fair Whind
Ch Whindancer's Heart Like A Wheel
Cashel's Northern Exposure
Milvest Cambree
Ceili's Susan B Anthony
Goldkist Jillybean O'Toole CD
Ch Greentree Clover Ooh La La
Ch Edgewood Liberty Rising Cuileann
Ch Doubloon's Playing For Keeps
Ch Stratford Top 'O The Mornin'
Dunfrae's Mira's Classy Lady
Ch Eringlo Playing With Fire VCD2 RE
TDX MX MXJ NF
Ch Eringlo Playing With Fire VCD2 RE
TDX MX MXJ NF
Ch Eringlo Cuddlebug
Ch Frolic's Bubble N Squeak
Gemstone's Carolina Queen
Ch Geragold Daughter Of Aran
Ch Geragold Seanacy Gilded Trébol
Ch Honeylee's Bye My Fair Whind
Ch Geragold Daughter Of Aran
Ch Marland's Awesome Dandy Andy
Vermilion's Snow Bird
Ch Wheaten Rebel's Nelson For Navy
GCh Cuilinn Expresso Con Panna
Ch Heirloom T&T's Tige In A Shoe CDX RN MX
MXJ MJB OF
Ch Whindancer's Sweet Baby James
Ch Jendu Fleur De Lis
Ch Gleanngay Til There Wazoo
Villa Rosas Wanya
Ch Greentree Silver Charm
Haldane Tapestry RA
Ch Eringlo Rise Above The Mist
Ch Mil Mear Geragold How Far?
Ch Heirloom Heartsong Look'n See
Ch Heirloom Hey Good Lookn' BN RN CGC
Ch Heirloom Hey Good Lookn' BN RN CGC
Ch Heirloom Wish Upon A Star RA OA OAJ
OAP AJP
Ch Lakkas Ulmus
Ch Lakkas Ulmus
Ch Heirloom's Truly Madly Deeply
Holweit's Mexican Martini
GCh Greentree Keepsake Surfin Usa
Ch Cameron Hunnicut
Ch Gleanngay Derring-Do RN OA NAJ
House Of Softy Legend
GCh Stratford Top Brass
GCh Stratford Top Brass
GCh Stratford Top Brass
Keepsake's Sizzlin' Hot
Ch Edgewood Steel Magnolia
Ch Deryni One For The Money
Ch Lil' Town Flirt Of Ardnacassa
GCh Lismore World Without End
GCh Lismore World Without End
GCh Lismore World Without End
Ch Baroque Top Shelf Hurrikane
Ch Abiqua Wild Knight Romance
Ch Marquee's Trick Question
Ch Whindancer's Sweet Baby James
GCh Marquee's Tax Exchange
Ch Starlight Pretty Woman
Ch Melandees Dazzeling Display
Ch O'Lorcan's Mythical Irish An Scalai
Ch Acacia's Some Like It Hot VCD2 RAE
MXP MJP NFP
Ch Acacia's Some Like It Hot VCD2 RAE
MXP MJP NFP
Ch Acacia's Some Like It Hot VCD2 RAE
MXP MJP NFP
Ch Acacia's Some Like It Hot VCD2 RAE
MXP MJP NFP
Ch Candance Daze Of Thunder
Ch Trébol Top Billing OA OAJ NAP NJP
Ch Trébol Labour Leader
Ch Trébol Labour Leader
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 12
Perrin's Bailey's Irish Cream CGC
Roberts Sugarbear Riley MX MXB MXJ MJS OF
Star Flynn O'Flute CGC
Ch Stratford As Legend Has It
Ch Sundance's Hot Surfer Dude
Ch Tara Good Vibrations For Claddagh
Ch Tara I Get Around
MACH Trébol Labour Of Love CD RAE MXB2 MJG2
MXP3 MXPB MJP5 MJPS PAX MXF XFP
Vermilion's Mr Finn OAP OJP
MACH4 Vermillion Doogan's Irish Cream MXS2 MJG2
T2B
Ch Westridge High Adventure CDX GN RAE NAP NJP
CGCA
Brian Boru O'tara
Ma's Irish Barney
Ch Star My Dear Watson""
GCh Gleanngay Legend Of The Grail
GCh Greentree Keepsake Surfin Usa
GCh Stratford Top Brass
GCh Stratford Top Brass
Gwendolyn Blessing Ogeorge
Princess Smiles
Ch Star Hunters Dream Girl
Ch Stratford Top 'O The Mornin'
Ch Sundance Order Of The Irish Rose
Ch Tara Life's A Beach
Ch Tara Life's A Beach
Ch Geragold Orla Finlandia
Vermilion's Snow Bird
Ch Trébol Take It From The Top
CH Jonaire Vermilion Ice Angel
Traligill Gradaigh O'Kaler
Kaler's Amanda Of Vermilion
Ch Heartstring's Toast To Tara
Ch Whindancer's Forget About The Boy
Ch Winterwheat Just Dew It VCD2 RN MX MXJ MJB
NAP OJP NFP
Yogi OA NAJ
Ch Whindancer's CatCh A Falling Star
Ch Westridge Champagne Punch
GCh Whindancer's Sweet Dreams Are Made
Of This
Villa Rosas Abernaudd O'Holwett
Ch Winterwheat's Whipped Creme
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 13
Wheatens on Safari
The 2014 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club
of Northern California Specialty
April 11, 2014
by Camille Taylor
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Northern
California invited Wheatens from all around the
country to come to Sacramento, California for a
safari weekend. We were delighted to have an entry
of 39 beautiful dogs this year. Our judge for the
Specialty event was Mr. Philip Freilich. He awarded
Best of Breed to GCH Doubloon’s Extreme Play and
Best Opposite to GCH Pitterpat Allons-Y! The ever
knowledgeable Ms. Gwen Meyer judged an entry of
12 (3-9) puppies in our Puppy Sweepstakes. Legacy
Glenngay at Bonney (b) (9-12) took Best in Sweeps
and Westridge Weekend at Bernies (d)(6-9) was
awarded Best Opposite in Sweeps. The Wheatens
really “strutted their stuff ” and proved to everyone
why we love our wonderful Wheaties.
Because our theme was “Wheatens on Safari,” the
show ring was decorated to set the stage for an
African safari. Green grasses and plants, beautiful
flower arrangements, African water jugs and colorful
elephants and giraffes were displayed around the ring
and on the table. Even the Wheaten ring markers wore
authentic African masks, and the trophy table was
decorated with an African mural. A special thank you
to Sheryl Beitch for creating such a beautiful setting
for our specialty show.
Every morning Susan Solsby set the stage for a great
day by providing delicious snacks for our safari.
Our club members and friends gathered each day
in the Wheaten grooming area to share stories,
groom dogs, laugh and cry while preparing for a new
adventure. Thank you, Susan, for your hard work and
organization. A homemade scone in the shape of a
wheaten is a great way to begin a safari.
Thank you, Marcia Weisman, for planning our
Specialty trophies. This year’s winners were treated
to a variety of trophies: etched wood pedigrees and
boxes, also etched glass plates and trays as well as
hand-painted Wheaten safari tiles. May these beautiful
trophies remind our winners of this special safari event
for years to come. A huge thank you also goes to our
hard-working Pat Rutherford for helping us gather
donations to make these trophies possible.
Friday evening we all came together for our annual
Specialty dinner, raffle, and auction. Tami Herzog, our
“dinner planner extraodinaire,” chaired this event. The
food was delicious, the weather perfect, and the setting
beautiful. This year’s dinner was held outside in a huge
white tent and again expertly decorated by
Sheryl Beitch and her helpers to reflect our safari
theme. Table decorations were a tremendous hit and
displayed clay Wheaten figurines on safari riding
Range Rovers or elephants. A heartfelt thanks goes
to Mike Weiss and Brian Ness for donating all of the
flowers and greenery for the beautiful ring and table
decorations.
Our awesome raffle was chaired by Rose Rose and
held treasures that reflected our safari theme and love
for Wheatens. There was something for everyone:
Wheaten artwork, jewelry, grooming aids, gift
certificates, and a designer purse. Our emcee for the
evening was Dick Taylor who helped us celebrate our
specialty’s Wheaten winners and congratulated our
lucky raffle winners. And finally, thank you to Richard
Urquhart, our evening’s auctioneer. As always, he
conducted a lively, lighthearted, profitable auction.
That’s what our weekend was all about - our dogs,
our friends, wonderful food, relaxing times, and
special memories. Our club would like to thank our
exhibitors, our judges, our volunteers, and our friends
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 14
for joining us for our African safari and for providing
each and every one of us a temporary retreat from our
busy, everyday life.
Speciality Co-Chairs, Camille Taylor and Betty Kaiser,
invite all of you to return next year for another great
adventure.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Northern California
Judge’s Critique by Philip Freilich
April 11, 2014
good movement with level top lines and good reach
I want to express my gratitude to the Soft Coated
and drive.
Wheaten Terrier Club of Northern California for
inviting me to judge their regional specialty. Thank
you to all the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in a BOB: A powerful bitch with exceptional substance and
courteous manner and exhibiting good sportsmanship balance with a commanding ring presence. This
bitch moved well on the day with excellent coat and
throughout the judging. Following are a few
correct breed type. The BOB bitch was very clean
comments and observations of the entry and the top
through the neck and shoulders. She exhibited a lively,
winners.
upbeat temperament.
The overall balance of the dogs was good. Most dogs
were square to approximately square. Several dogs had BOS: A very nice dog with exceptional balance front
upright shoulders and this made them appear long and and rear, correct proportions, and beautiful wavy coat.
BOS dog had a balanced head, good eye with correct
unbalanced when gaiting. Coats in general were good
SCWT expression. The competition was close between
to excellent being soft, wavy, and silky. Several dogs
this dog and the breed winner.
had clipper/scissor underlines which took away the
natural presentation of these dogs. The Standard states
BOW: A very feminine young bitch that moved well on
that dogs that are over groomed are to be severely
the day with good top line and reach and drive. This
penalized.
bitch will only get better with time.
Most exhibits had correct head proportions, eye color,
and a scissors or level bite. Some exhibits had incorrect A note to the exhibitors: Many of you are racing your
dogs around the ring too fast and are not properly
ear sets or too large an ear. Tail sets were all over the
board. We had the whole range from correct tail sets,
gaiting your dogs. This throws the dog’s movement
off on the down and back and makes it more difficult
to low set tails, and gay tails.
for the judge to evaluate if these exhibits have correct
movement.
The breeders are to be congratulated as the
temperament on all the dogs I examined was good and
to the standard.
Again, thank you for having me. It was an enjoyable
day.
On the move most of my top winners, including the
Select and Award of Merit winners, had adequate to
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 15
BSW: Legacy Gleanngay at Bonney (GCH Lochlinear
BOSSWP: Westridge Weekend at Bernie’s
BOB: GCH Doubloon’s Extreme Play (GCH Doubloon’s
BOS: GCH Pitterpat Allons-Y! (CH Derryhumma Mr.
Glenngay Cha Ching x GCH Gleanngay Lady of the Lake)
Breeders: J. Caliri, R. Green & G. Dunlap. Owners: Bonita Snyder,
J. Caliri & R. Green.
Salt Of The Earth x CH Doubloon’s Ultimate Player. Breeder/
Owner: Elena Landa.
SD: CH Gemstone As Your Fortune Comes
(GCH Lochlinear Gleanngay Cha Ching x CH Westridge
Sugar Magnolia) Breeders: Ilze & Bernard Barron.
Owners: Jody, Ilze & Peter Barron.
Mistoffelees x CH Pitterpat’s Mabe Funke)
Breeder: Sheryl Beitch. Owner: Karen & Guy Davis & Sheryl
Beitch.
SB: CH Marquee’s Sweet Home Alabama
(CH Baroque Top Shelf Hurrikane x Gemstone Carolina Queen)
(CH Baroque Top Shelf Hurrikane x GCH Marquee’s Tax
Breeders: Tami & Jim Herzog. Owners: Tami & Jim Herzog &
Exchange) Breeders/Owners: Richard and Sonja Urquhart.
Linda & Christina Lee.
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 16
WD: Touchstone Masquerader (CH Reflections Here
Comes The Son x CH Touchstone Polka Dot) Breeder: Shelly
Sumner. Owners: Sierra & David Askwith & Shelly Sumner.
WB/BW: Burdigan’s Red Hot Chili Pepper
RWD: Baroque Ain’t Nothin’ But a Good Time (CH
RWB: Legacy Gleanngay at Bonney
Bearenstain Bear x GCH You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet) Breeder:
Christy Weagant. Owners: Paul Bovarnick, Nan Waller & Christy
Weagant.
(CH Harbour Hill Mike Delfino x CH Burdigan’s She Dreams
In Color) Breeders/Owners: Josh & Julie Burdick.
(GCH Lochlinear Glenngay Cha Ching x GCH Gleanngay
Lady of the Lake) Breeders: J. Caliri, R. Green & G. Dunlap.
Owners: Bonita Snyder, J. Caliri & R. Green.
V/AOM: CH Orion’s Ya Talkin’ To Me (CH Marquee’s
AOM: CH Lismore I Like Ike
Tricks Of The Trade x CH Brenmoor’s People Will Talk)
(GCH Stratford Top Brass x GCH Lismore World Without
Breeders: Betsy Geertson & Gary Vlachos. Owners: Richard &
End) Breeder/Owner: Meg Ryan.
Camille Taylor.
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 17
Lulu Always Makes Me Laugh
by John Ore
Ever since my wife and I saw a young couple walking a
Wheaten Terrier at a street fair in downtown Tempe, I
wanted one. After I retired I felt I had the time to take
proper care of a dog. I thought a rescue was the only
way to go.
On the website for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Club of America, I found the rescue link. That took
me to Nancy Butler. I filled out the application and
told her that I wanted an adult female but most
importantly, I wanted a calm dog. Nancy assured me
that she could help, and shortly thereafter she advised
that she had located a dog for me, but it was in North
Carolina. Nancy put me in touch with Karen Mueller
who was taking care of Lulu while she was in rescue.
My only question for Karen was if Lulu was a calm
dog. She told me two things. First she said Lulu was
so calm that her grandkids thought she was boring.
Karen’s second statement is still with me today. She
said, “Lulu always makes me laugh!” I told her to put
her on the plane.
Lulu arrived with a natural curiosity and a great
disposition. I soon learned that Karen’s grandkids
thought she was boring because they had no rabbits
near their home. No matter where we took her,
everyone was drawn to her. I enrolled her in training
classes at a nearby Petsmart where the instructor
immediately fell in love with her. I tried giving her a
bath and brushing her myself, but she hated that. I
soon located a groomer, but as soon as Lulu realized
where she was, she made a U-turn and headed for the
door. That was then. Now she looks forward to her
“spa day,” and when she gets there, she opens the gate
and heads directly toward the back door, opens it, and
sits in front of the crate where she waits to be groomed.
It took no time for me to learn that Lulu can open any
door with a lever handle and any Arcadia door that is
not locked. One of our houses is on a lake, and Lulu
loves to swim. She also wants to catch a goose. I think
she heard they taste like chicken. I asked a neighbor to
take care of her while I was out of town overnight a few
months ago. I cautioned the neighbor that Lulu can
open doors. That very afternoon the neighbor went
outside to get her mail and turned around to see Lulu
running down the block. She loves Lulu and when
she ran up to one of the other neighbors she was back
into custody. Taking her to Dog Beach in San Diego
was almost more fun than we could stand. Like a little
kid, she was afraid of the water at first. That didn’t last
long, and by the end of the day she was so tired from
playing in the water that she slept for two days.
When I noticed how social Lulu was, I decided to
work with her to become a therapy dog. Her gentle
disposition and good nature seemed to make her a
natural. I trained her by taking her everywhere. She
went to church with us, and she has also joined my
Rotary Club. Lulu and I have made several hospital
and rehab center visits. She has no problems with
crowds and loves social interaction, so I contacted Pet
Partners, a division of the Delta Society, to see about
getting her a therapy dog certification. After I attended
a handlers’ course, it was time for Lulu to show her
stuff. It turns out that everything I had been doing
with her prepared her very well for her evaluation. She
passed with flying colors and is now a certified therapy
dog.
Lulu even inspires me to be more kind to everyone I
meet. She also inspires me to lock doors when I go
outside. If Lulu’s new home gives her half as much joy
as she brings to us and all those she meets, she is a very
happy little girl.
John and Gina Dore rescued Lulu in February 2012.
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 18
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Greater Milwaukee
cordially invites you to our 26th annual Specialty
in beautiful southeastern Wisconsin
Friday, July 25
SCWTCGM Specialty
Specialty Judge: Mrs. Judith Franklin
Sweepstakes Judge: Louise Bishoff of Seanacy Wheatens
Event supported by the SCWTCA.
Indoor judging with air conditioning
Location: Waukesha County Expo Center
Hospitality luncheon, raffle, and silent auction following BOB
Wheaten garden art for sale
Saturday & Sunday, July 26 & 27
Waukesha Kennel Club
Judges:
John Bink, July 26
Charles L Olvis (p), July 27
Entry supported by the SCWTCGM
Indoor judging with air conditioning
Location: Waukesha County Expo Center
Monday, July 28
Burlington Wisconsin Kennel Club
Judge: Mrs. Glenda P Dawkins
Location: Walworth County Fair Grounds
Tuesday, July 29
Burlington Wisconsin Kennel Club
Judge: Mrs. July Webb
Location: Walworth County Fair Grounds
Questions: Chairman, Geoffrey Bilda at bilda@sbcglobal.net.
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 19
Using The DNA Marker Test
New this year to the SCWTCA, Inc. website is the following pictoral presentation of a slide show, created
by members of the Health Committee. These can be found on the PLN Variant Gene Test Page. As a club
member, I was not aware of its addition, so I thought others might not have seen it as well. Once you go to
scwtca.org, click on “health” in the box on the left. On the health page, look in the “more Info” box on the
right. Click on Understanding Breeding Combinations: A Breeder’s Tool found under “Results.”
For those who find graphic depictions more illuminating, please see the DNA chart, created by club member
Helen Fraguela. The two offerings combine to clarify why the PLN test is an important tool in a breeder’s
box of tests and considerations when determining a future breeding.
~editor
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 20
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 21
My dog is a Homozygous Negative
Find the DNA status of the mate and read across to understand the
results of breeding your Homozygous Negative to him/her:
The potential mate is
a….
Each puppy….
Homozygous Negative
Will be a Homozygous Negative
Heterozygote
Has a
• 50% chance of being
Heterozygote and
• 50% chance of being
Homozygous Negative
Homozygous Positive
Litter Composition
Will be a Heterozygote
All puppies will be Homozygous Negative
•
The litter could be ANY combination of
Heterozygous and/or Homozygous
Negative puppies. All puppies could be
Heterozygote, all puppies could be
Homozygous Negative, or the litter could
be any combination of the two.
•
However, no puppies can be Homozygous
Positive
All puppies will be Heterozygotes
Back to first page
4
My dog is a Heterozygote
Find the DNA status of the mate and read across to understand the
results of breeding your Heterozygote to him/her:
The potential
mate is a….
Homozygous
Negative
Heterozygote
Each puppy has a….
Litter Composition
•
•
The litter could be ANY combination of Heterozygous
and/or Homozygous Negative puppies. All puppies could
be Heterozygote, all puppies could be Homozygous
Negative, or the litter could be any combination of the two.
•
However, no puppies can be Homozygous Positive
•
•
•
•
Homozygous
Positive
5
•
•
50% chance of being
Heterozygote
50% chance of being
Homozygous Negative
The litter could be ANY combination of Homozygous
Normal, Heterozygous and/or Homozygous Positive
puppies. All puppies could be Heterozygote, all
puppies could be Homozygous Positive, all puppies could
be Homozygous Negative or the litter could be any
combination of the three.
25% chance of being
Homozygous Negative
50% chance of being
Heterozygote
25% chance of being
Homozygous Positive
50% chance of being
Heterozygote
50% chance of being
Homozygous Positive
•
The litter could be ANY combination of Heterozygous
and/or Homozygous Positive puppies. All puppies could be
Heterozygote, all puppies could be Homozygous Positive, or
the litter could be any combination of the two.
•
However, no puppies can be Homozygous Negative
Back to first page
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 22
My dog is a Homozygous Positive
Find the DNA status of the mate and read across to understand the
results of breeding your Homozygous Positive to him/her:
The potential mate is
a….
Each puppy….
Homozygous Negative
Will be a Heterozygote
Heterozygote
Has a
• 50% chance of being
Heterozygote
• 50% chance of being
Homozygous Positive
Homozygous Positive
Litter Composition
All puppies will be Heterozygotes
Will be a Homozygous Positive
•
The litter could be ANY combination of
Heterozygous and/or Homozygous Positive
puppies. All puppies could be Heterozygote,
all puppies could be Homozygous Positive, or
the litter could be any combination of the two.
•
However, no puppies can be Homozygous
Negative
All puppies will be Homozygous Positives
Back to first page
6
A word about probabilities
Sorting out the difference between a puppy’s chance to have a specific DNA
status and what will be in your litter can be confusing. Here’s an easy
demonstration you can do:
1.
Take out a coin…it’s got two sides, heads and tails. You know that if you flip that
coin, there’s a 50% chance it’ll be heads and a 50% chance it’ll be tails.
2.
Now, flip it 6 times. You probably didn’t get 3 heads and 3 tails…you may have
gotten 2 and 4 or 5 and 1 or all one or the other. (Mathematically speaking, you
had a 31.25% chance of getting 3 and 3)*
 The reason for this result is that each coin toss is an independent event…the
result of the second toss has nothing to do with the result of the first.
 Each puppy’s DNA is based on getting one gene from mom and one from dad…and
that is independent of what happens to every other puppy in the litter. That means
each puppy is like flipping the coin in step 1 above,
 However, a litter is like flipping the coin 6 times in step 2. That is why we show two
separate columns: one for each puppy’s possible result and one for the litter as a
whole.
7
*An explanation of the calculations can be found here: http://www.dummies.com/howto/content/how-to-determine-probable-outcomes-with-coins-and-.html
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 23
Helen Fraguela’s DNA Chart
Pairs
POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS AND WHAT THEY WILL PRODUCE***
Each puppy takes one gene from each parent
Variant Gene
0-0
0-0
1-0
0-0
1-1
Each puppy’s chance of inheritance
100%
0-0
50%
50%
0-0
1-0
100%
1-0
0-0
1-0
1-0
1-0
1-1
1-1
1-1
50%
25%
25%
1-0
0-0
1-1
50%
50%
1-0
1-1
100%
1-1
*** Remember, these are the odds for an individual puppy. Unless the odds are 100%,
the litter could be composed of all, none, or some of any possible result
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 24
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 25
2014 Delaware Valley Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier Club Specialty Weekend
“Run for the Roses”
by Cherie Turner
It all started with the Garden State All Terrier Club,
the first of the three shows on our specialty weekend.
The judge for the day was Irish judge Sean Delmar
with an entry of 32.
Winners Dog, Greentree Feis Dancer Midnight
Tobasco Waltz, was also Best of Winners and Best of
Breed. He is owned by Kate Heller, Donna Baird, and
Beverly McDonald. Reserve Winners Dog was
Whindancer's Light My Fire,
owned by Susan Ratliffe and
Allison Raith.
The day started with Lloyd Amodei judging
Sweepstakes. The entry was 22. His winners were
Banner Jersey Girl for Best in Sweepstakes who is
owned by Pam and John Mandeville; for Best Of
Opposite in Sweeps, he chose Edgewood Take On Me,
owned by Carl McGill.
Regular classes followed and were judged by John
Constantine. There was an entry of 41.
Mr. Constantine choose
for Best of Opposite, Best
of Winners and Winners
Dog Greentree Feis Dancer
Midnight Tobasco Waltz
owned by Kate Heller,
Donna Baird, and Beverly
McDonald. The Reserve
Winner was Wheaten Rebel's
Take a Ticket to Greentree,
owned by Beverly and Kevin
McDonald.
Winners Bitch was Lismore Past
Forgetting, owned by
Catherine Pikul and Meg
Ryan. Reserve Winners Bitch
was O'Mannion Greentree
Heartbreaker, owned by Joanne
and Terry Manning.
The judge also selected
BOB: GCH Doubloon’s Extreme Play
GCH Doubloon's Extreme
(GCH
Doubloon's
Salt Of The Earth x CH Doubloon's Ultimate Winners Bitch was
Play, owned by Elena
Player) Breeder/Owner:
Elena Landa.
Landa, for Best of Opposite
Banner Jersey Girl; she is
Sex, CH Mackanme One
owned by Pam and John
Love One Heart, owned by Deborah Van De Ven and
Mandeville. Reserve went to Coventry Seanchai Penny
Joe Maguadog, for Select Dog, and GCH Greentree
Serenade, owned by Erma Heckman and Jeannie Kelly.
Gold Charm, owned by Kevin and Beverly McDonald,
for Select Bitch.
Best of Breed was GCH Doubloon's Extreme Play,
owned by Elena Landa. Select Dog went to GCH
After judging, all Wheaten lovers and their friends
Waterford Carnival, and Select Bitch was GCH
gathered for the 8th Annual Wine and Cheese party,
Greentree Gold Charm. Awards of Merit were
provided and hosted by Carole Clark (Clewbay) and
awared to CH Mackanme One Love One Heart, CH
Cherie Turner (Frolic).
Diamonds Ain’t Misbehaving, Banner Jersey Girl, and
CH Greentree Sugar Plum.
Saturday was a beautiful sunny day for our specialty
held in conjunction with Bucks County Kennel Club.
After judging there was a luncheon with Barry Ivler
once again manning the grill (the ribs were yummy)
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 26
and dishes from our members. Even though it was
windy, we held the leprechaun toss. This year's prize,
a beautiful hexagonal bowl from The Potting Shed,
Harelooms.com in Concord, MA, was donated again
by Dennis Baribault.
It was another breezy, chilly
day for the third and final
day of our Specialty weekend.
Today the judge was Mary
Jane Carberry and the
entry was 32. She choose
for Winners Dog and Best
of Winners, Wheaten
Rebel's Take a Ticket
to Greentree, owned
by Beverly and Kevin
McDonald.
O'Mannions Greentree Heart of Stone owned by Terry
and Joanne Manning.
The judge's choice for Best of Breed was GCH
Greentree Gold Charm,
owned by Beverly and Kevin
McDonald, and Best Op was
CH Mackanme One Love One
Heart, owned by Deborah Van
De Ven and Joe Maguadog.
Select Dog was GCH Greentree
Cayenne Dancer and Select
Bitch was CH Greentree
Preakness License to Chill.
After this day's judging, Kevin
and Bev McDonald
again graciously hosted a
wonderful lunch, thanking us
BOS/BW/WD: Greentree Feis
all for coming and celebrating
Dancer Midnight Tobasco Waltz
(CH Greentree Keepsake Tobasco Cat x CH Greentree Wind our wins. A big thank you
Reserve Winners Dog was Dancer) Breeders: Kevin & Beverly McDonald. Owners: Kate for all that helped make this a
Heller, Donna Baird & Beverly McDonald.
successful weekend.
Clover's in the Nick of
Time, owned by Liz and
Mike Jamiolkowski.
Winners Bitch was Holweit's Counting the Stars,
owned by Patricia and Robert Robeski and Sylvia
and Bill Hamilton. Reserve Winners Bitch was
Sweepstakes
Judge Lloyd Amodei
Saturday, May 3, 2014
BSW: Banner Jersey Girl
BOSSW: Edgewood Take On Me
(CH Whindancer Heart Like A Wheel x CH Banner Shout)
Breeders/Owners: Pam & John Mandeville.
(GCH Roscheen Acacia Go For Broke x CH Edgewood
Ruffian) Breeder/Owner: Carl McGill.
Benchmarks . volume 41 . number 2 . page 27
WB/AOM: Banner Jersey Girl
(CH Whindancer Heart Like A Wheel x CH Banner Shout)
Breeders/Owners: Pam & John Mandeville.
SB: GCH Greentree Gold Charm
(CH Wheaten Rebel’s Nelson For Navy x CH Greentree
Silver Charm) Breeders: Oleh Sharanevych & Beverly &
Kevin McDonald. Owners: Beverly & Kevin McDonald.
RWD: Wheaten Rebel’s Take a Ticket to
Greentree (Tabaluga Vom Dreiklang x Wheaten Rebel’s
Ready 4 Take Off) Breeders: Margret Moeller-Sieber &
Gerhard Moeller. Owners: Beverly & Kevin McDonald.
SD: GCH Waterford Carnival
(GCH Dhowden American Dream x CH Waterford Frolic O’Prescott)
Breeders/Owners: C. Turner & M. C. Shoemaker.
Benchmarks . volume 41 . number 2 . page 28
NutriScan Test
by W. Jean Dodds, DVM
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the NutriScan test?
This test measures the IgA and IgM antibodies to
certain foods in dog or cat saliva. High antibody levels indicate that the dog has a food sensitivity and
intolerance to that food or foods. These antibodies are critical to determining
food sensitivity and intolerance in saliva -- not in
serum. No one else does this. NutriScan's focused
salivary testing -- using the clinically
relevant antibodies -- provides scientifically proven,
novel veterinary diagnostics. It is not a DNA cheek
swab test.
2. Does the test work in species other than dogs or
cats?
No; NutriScan hopes to extend testing to horses in
future.
3. Does this test apply to healthy dogs and cats as well
as those with known or suspected food reactivities?
Yes, because saliva testing can reveal the latent or preclinical form of food
sensitivity, it can be used to predict a developing or
latent food reaction.
4. How does this test differ from other food "allergy"
tests on serum or feces?
Food allergy tests measure antibodies to IgG and
IgE in serum or feces. These are typically more
acute allergic reactions to foods, whereas NutriScan
measures IgA and IgM antibodies on the bowel’s
mucosal surface, and thus more directly correlates to
symptoms of bowel (GI tract) disease.
5. How does this test differ from other food "allergy"
skin testing?
Skin testing used to be considered the “gold standard”
of allergy testing. Aside from being unsightly and
requiring that a large patch of skin be shaved, these
tests are costly and do not always identify the true
source of allergic reactions.
6. Why is salivary food sensitivity and intolerance
testing more predictive than other food allergy
testing?
Saliva testing can reveal the latent or pre-clinical
form of food sensitivity as antibodies to food
ingredients appear in saliva before the clinical or bowel
biopsydiagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or
“leaky gut syndrome” is made.
7. When do these food sensitivities typically appear
once an offending food is eaten?
Food sensitivities are usually seen from as early as 2
hrs and up to 72 hrs after eating, so it can be difficult
to connect symptoms with a food or foods eaten
several days previously. There is a very high correlation
between delayed food sensitivity and the amount and
frequency of the food consumed.
8. What foods are tested? 24 foods: beef, corn, wheat, soy, milk (cow), lamb,
venison, chicken, turkey, white fish, pork, duck, egg
(hen), barley, millet, oatmeal, salmon, rabbit, rice,
quinoa, potato, peanut (peanut butter), sweet potato,
lentils.
9. Should my pet be fasted or not eat before
collecting the saliva?
Fasting is not necessary, but the pet should not eat
anything for at least 3 hours before saliva collection.
Water is completely fine.
10. How much saliva is needed?
The test requires 2 mL of saliva so it can be run in
duplicate. It is important to collect enough saliva.
11. Must the dental cotton rope be wet with saliva?
Yes; about one-half of the length of the rope should be
wet with saliva.
12. What can I do if my dog or cat won't salivate?
You can place a piece of tempting food in front of the
pet's nose to stimulate salivation, but don’t let him
actually eat the treat until you have retrieved enough
saliva.
Benchmarks . volume 41 . number 2 . page 29
13. Does it matter if there are some food particles on
the rope?
Please try to minimize this contamination.
14. Does the sample need to be frozen or specially
packed for shipping to Hemopet?
No; room temperature is fine.
15. How long can the sample be stored before
shipping or being assayed?
Salivary antigens are stable for up to 30 days after
collection, and we can re-hydrate the rope with a small
measured amount of saline, if needed.
16. What does the test measure?
Two types of antibodies (anti-IgA and anti-IgM)
against different purified food antigen extracts are
measured.
17. What should I do if foods test reactive?
Avoid foods,treats, supplements, grooming supplies
and drug vehicles (substances to administer drugs)
that contain these ingredients.
18. How is NutriScan reported?
Results are quantified in Units per ml of saliva.
19. What do the Units of food reactivity represent?
The antibody levels present in custom-made
immunoassay plates are measured by optical density
readings and these are converted to Units per ml of
reaction.
20. What is a negative reaction?
Negative reactions measure less than 10 Units per ml
of saliva.
21. What are weak and moderately high food
reactions?
Those between 10.00-12.99 Units per ml are
considered weak reactions; those from 13.00 to 14.99
are moderately high reactions.
22. What do the weak reactions mean?
The clinical significance of the weak reactions is
unclear, but in dogs or cats with established clinical
signs of food sensitivity, it would be prudent to avoid
foods reacting weakly as well.
23. How often should I repeat the test?
We suggest repeat testing every 6-12 months in healthy
dogs and cats, and every 4-6 months in food reactive dogs and cats.
24. What are strong food reactions?
Those at or above 15.00 Units per ml are strong
reactions.
25. If my pet tests reactive to beef, will he react to
bison or buffalo?
Presumably not, but there are no data on this point.
26. If my pet tests reactive to cow’s milk, will he react
to goat or sheep milk? Presumably not, but there are no data on this point.
27. If my pet tests reactive to cow’s milk, will he
likely react to cheese made from milk? No, he shouldn’t as most, but not all, cheese is made
from the whey fraction of milk. 28. If my pet tests reactive to hen’s eggs, will he likely
react to chicken?
Presumably he will also react to chicken.
29. What did the initial clinical trials with this test
panel reveal?
Clinical trials included 566 dogs; each was tested with
the 6 primary food antigens for anti-IgA and anti-IgM
in saliva and anti-IgG in serum.
62% (352 of the 566) of the dogs tested showed weak,
moderate or strong food reactivity to at least one food
allergen.
71% of the dogs tested showed weak, moderate or
strong food reactivity to beef.
71% of the dogs tested showed weak, moderate or
strong food reactivity to wheat.
70% of the dogs tested showed moderate or strong
food reactivity to cow’s milk.
57% of the dogs tested showed weak, moderate or
strong food reactivity to corn.
Fewer dogs showed food reactivity to soy (25%) and
very few to egg (3%).
Only one dog of 121 control dogs showed a mild antiIgG reaction in serum, and only to wheat.
30. Why did you select only 24 food allergens
for salivary food sensitivity and intolerance testing? Benchmarks . volume 41 . number 2 . page 30
The NutriScan diagnostic team selected the so-called
six primary food antigens, including the glutens
present in the most commonly fed pet foods and treats
an additional 18 antigens which can be found in some
pet foods. If there is a food sensitivity or intolerance, it
is very likely going to be to one of these antigens.
31. Are more needed?
No and Yes. Other testing on serum includes about 24
foods, but our saliva testing provides more predictable
clinical outcomes. In the economic downturn we now
face, we need to be more discriminating about what
testing is really needed. So this saliva test is a reliable and cost-effective screening test which can give
you useful information. We do not anticipate that
further panels will be needed.
Food Sensitivity Testing Illustrative Diagram
Benchmarks . volume 41 . number 2 . page 31
AGILITY
Montgomery Terrier
Agility Cluster
Mon-Thurs
With new “indoor” location
OBEDIENCE AND RALLY
“Indoors” Sat in Blue Bell
CONFORMATION
Four days!
Sweepstakes on Sat
SCWTCA Specialty on Sun
in Blue Bell
Don’t miss
Montgomery 2014…
7 full days of Wheaten fun and versatility!
Check out the SCWTCA website for more information,
including this years fabulous fundraisers and raffle items.
Watch for the mailer in early July. The new Pawpal form
(formally known as the Bob the Banker form) will provide
online ordering for fundraisers, raffle, dinners, lunches etc.
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 32
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 33
Remembering Bob Nerrie
Hullabaloo Wheatens
Bob Nerrie began enjoying Soft Coated Wheaten
Terriers in 1979. Bob’s first love was always
performance. He often said the most important title
was that at the end of the dog’s name. His dogs were
always well-trained and, like him, had great manners.
Not all of the dogs that lived in the Nerrie house were
performance dogs, but the ones that Bob concentrated
on were special.
When Bob and Elaine got their first Wheaten, Bob
mostly watched the conformation process unfold
from the sidelines. It unfolded pretty quickly, and by
the time "Paddington" was being owner-housewife
specialed, Bob was borrowing him at shows for
obedience competition. The dog was
wonderful and Bob wanted to see him
shine as a complete picture of his breed,
but everyone told him it would ruin
the dog for conformation. He found
a trainer who did not overemphasize
corrective training in an instinctive effort
to preserve the terrier spirit of an already
low-key dog.
"Paddington" (CH Rapparee's Original
Rags CDX) was a willing but not terribly
talented pupil. However, he had an
insatiable desire to please and completed
a CDX with Bob ready to do more and learn more. “More” was "Muggsy," (CH Andover Jazz Hullabaloo
CDX), a lovely bitch with great intelligence and a
temperament the opposite of Paddington's, who went
onto become the SCWTCA Obedience Dog of the
Year. Bob’s ego was then kept in check by the next girl.
"Toast," (CH Hullabaloo Sloane Square CD CGC) took
to greeting acquaintances around the ring and
invented the "upside down," which involved flipping
onto her back with legs in the air and tail wagging
furiously - a tremendous crowd-pleaser but not a Bob
pleaser. She did earn a CD in three consecutive trials
with high scores, but she was retired because, after all,
she had the general idea.
And then came "Vinnie The Weasel," (CH Hullabaloo
Ashford To A "T” VCD2 TD CDX RE MX AXP
MX AJP CGC). Vinnie was scary smart and became
Bob's focus for demonstrating the breed's versatility
potential. He excelled in all the available performance
events while accumulating 23 AKC titles, including a
VCD2. Positive training methods had come into favor,
and Bob became a 100% convert. Without ignoring the achievements of Bob’s next two
girls, "Cozy"(CH Hullabaloo Tea Cozy MX MXJ CGC)
and "Cinch," (Hullabaloo Piece of Cake RN CGC)one
has to get to "Rookie," (CH Hullabaloo The Rookie
VCD1 TD CD RE NJP NAP)Bob's final challenge (and
he is a challenge). Rookie was the first to be Bob's sole
responsibility for conformation as well as performance;
their last appearance together was in the
Veterans’ ring at Great Western in 2012. The most impulsive and energetic dog
in Bob's experience, Rookie is distracted
by everything within sight; if it weren't
for obedience, Rookie would be standing
on the kitchen island with a roast in his
mouth. Rookie was the carrot (although
Elaine might say the stick) for continuing
quality of life with dogs. He is the most fun
of all the dogs, but it took over five years
before Bob made any progress with him at
all in obedience. By then, Bob’s health
wasn't up to Rookie's pace (not easy for anyone, by the
way) but it gave him the inspiration to keep trying. And Bob’s non-dog life? Born in New York State, an
Army brat who spent some of his high school years in
Japan during the Occupation, Bob received a degree
in architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
and served as a Navy pilot, then completed a Masters
in Architecture at Yale and went on to an architectural
practice in San Francisco. He retired following a long
career as an architect at Stanford University. Married over 50 years, Bob is survived by Elaine and
two daughters and a son, all grown and living in the
San Francisco Bay area, with seven Best In Show
grandchildren. Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 34
“Nothing matters in the whole wide world
when you’re in love with a Jersey girl”
New CH Banner Jersey Girl
CH Whindancer Heart Like A Wheel x CH Banner Shout
Zoey’s finish made us very proud
Delaware Valley SCWTC specialty/SCWTCA Supported Entry
Best in Sweepstakes – Judge Lloyd Amodei
Winner’s Bitch, Award of Merit – Judge John Constantine
Always Owner-Breeder Handled
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 35
Banner Wheatens, Reg.
Pam & John Mandeville
Somerset, NJ
www.bannerwheatens.com
Marijuana Toxicity in Pets
Imagine your concern if you came home to find your
dog unable to walk, unresponsive, or in a coma. This
is becoming more common as marijuana begins to
lose its illicit status, at least in some areas of the world.
As the decriminalization and even legalization of
marijuana has occurred, cases of toxicity in animals
have unfortunately increased. Marijuana seems to have
a much more profound effects in pets than in humans.
Marijuana Facts and Statistics
The Pet Poison Hotline has reported a 200% increase,
over a five year period, in calls asking about marijuana
and pets. California and Colorado both passed
legislation to legalize medical marijuana usage. At the
University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medicine
Teaching Hospital there were four cases of marijuana
toxicity in 2010, but there were 27 cases in 2013. Two
Colorado veterinary hospitals reported a four-fold
increase over the last six years, and this was before
marijuana became legal. All but two of these cases
lived; two dogs who ate cannabis butter died. In a 2002
study of 250 cases, 96% of cases occurred in dogs (dogs
will eat anything!). In this group there were two fatal
cases, one was a cat, and the other a horse.
Signs of Marijuana Toxicity
The active ingredient in marijuana is THC,
tetrahydrocannabinol. THC affects neurotransmitters,
so when toxicity occurs, neurological signs are the
most common symptoms. These symptoms include
depression, lack of cooridination, dilated pupils,
tremors, seizures, and coma. Other signs that can
occur are vomiting, salivation, low blood pressure,
slow heart rate (but sometimes a fast heart rate can
happen). Death is rare.
Exposure in Pets
Pets are usually exposed by ingesting marijuana, or
foods that contain extracts of marijuana. Signs can
develop within 30 to 90 minutes after exposure. THC
stays in the body up to five days, but symptoms usually
last up to 72 hours.
When a veterinarian is presented with a patient where
marijuana toxicity is suspected but the history cannot
confirm (either because the owners are not aware,
or don't want to admit it), a urine test can be used to
detect marijuana.
Treatment for Exposed Pets
Dogs and cats with marijuana toxicity require
hospitalization. Treatment may include inducing
vomiting if the ingestion occurred very recently
(within 30 to 60 minutes), the patient is awake, and it
is safe to do so. Activated charcoal is also administered,
often every eight hours for the first 24 hours as this
helps to bind the THC so it is not absorbed into the
body. Intravenous fluids are started to help flush out
the toxin, and to help maintain blood pressure. The
pet patient's temperature, blood glucose, and blood
pressure are closely monitored. Other symptoms, such
as seizures or vomiting, are treated if they appear.
Many pets will eat anything, so vigilance is needed
to keep them out of trouble. Marijuana poisonings
are becoming more frequent, and can cause severe
symptoms in pets. Pet owners need to be aware of what
is accessible in a pet's environment and keep their pets
safe.
Sources:
McKnight, Katrina. "Marijuana Toxicosis." Veterinary
Technician, April 2003
American Animal Hospital Association. "Medical
Marijuana Boom Posing Health Threat to GarbageEating Pets." January 2014.
ASPCA. "Animal Poison Control." 2014
Seligman, Katherine. "Dog's Pot Poisoning Soars as
Pets Dig Through Trash, Stash." January 10, 2014.
http://lagunacanyonvet.com © Copyright 2014 Canyon
Animal Hospital, All Rights Reserved
Reprinted with permission from the newsletter of:
Canyon Animal Hospital
20372 Laguana Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 36
Microalbuminuria: A Discussion with Dr. Shelly Vaden
Cecily Skinner, SCWTCA Health Chair & Pam Mandeville, Health Publications Chair
(Excerpts from a previously published Benchmarks article and updated 1/17/14 by Cecily Skinner)
Veterinarians and veterinary laboratories have been
offering testing for Microalbuminuria (MA). Many
owners and breeders have use MA testing for their
Wheatens while others may still have some questions.
Microalbuminuria is the presence of albumin in the
urine at a lower concentration than can be found
on other tests done during urinalysis, such as the
urine dipstick. In humans, MA can be a predictor
of proteinuria and can be used to predict early renal
disease. (Source: Fricks article and commentary of Dr.
Shelly Vaden, North Carolina State University,) This
has led veterinary researchers to look at measuring MA
in dogs and, eventually, to the creation of an in-office
test (e.g., Heska’s ERD Heathscreen™) that displays a
semi-qualitative measure of MA (i.e.,‘negative’, ‘low
positive’, ‘high positive’, etc). Now, Antech Laboratories
offers a quantitative (numerical values) test for MA
that can be run during a urinalysis when other tests are
run.
What does this mean to Wheaten owners and
breeders? Drs. Shelly Vaden and Meryl Littman,
researchers into protein-losing diseases in Wheatens,
have written that MA is a predictor of the proteinuria
of PLN in some dogs.
Dr. Vaden encourages all Wheaten owners to test for
MA annually. Your veterinarian can request MA
testing when he sends out the urinalysis sample during
annual screening. (Check with your vet as the MA
Test is now routinely included with a Urinalysis at
many labs.)
General Information about MA
What is Microalbuminuria?
MA, in the dog, is defined as a urinary albumin
concentration between 1.0 and 30.0 mg/dl. Albumin
is a protein that is not normally filtered by the
glomerular capillary wall in the kidney and should not
appear in the urine. (Dr. Shelly Vaden, 2005)
Why should a Wheaten owner test for MA?
In humans, it has been shown that MA is a consistent
predictor of proteinuria and is used to predict early
renal disease. Dogs, such as SCWTs that develop
glomerular disease (e.g., PLN), can be genetically
predisposed to renal disease. A preliminary study
found that these dogs and their cross-bred progeny
had a higher prevalence of MA than clinically normal
dogs. (Source: Fricks article, 2005)
What is the relationship between MA and PLN?
MA can be detected by an increase in either the
Antech urine albumin test or the Heska ERD test and
may be an indication of early PLN.
What is the relationship between MA and RD?
RD is a disease in which the kidney does not develop
normally. Fetal tissues, including fetal glomeruli,
remain in the kidney long after these tissues should
have matured. Progressive renal failure ensues. Along
with progressive renal failure, glomerulosclerosis
develops. These abnormal glomeruli may leak albumin,
leading to MA. Likewise, the abnormal tubules may
not reabsorb albumin that has accidentally escaped
through more normal glomeruli. In this situation, MA
may not precede the clinical onset of RD as it does
with PLN; rather, they would be present at around the
same time.
What is the relationship between MA and other
kidney disease?
Anytime there is damage to the glomeruli, which can
be primary or secondary, there is leakage of albumin
into the filtrate. The filtrate is the fluid that, after
being modified by the remainder of the kidney, will
eventually become urine. If the tubules are unable to
absorb the albumin in the filtrate, either because there
is too much albumin or because the tubules are also
damaged, the albumin will appear in the urine. This
will lead to a positive MA test.
What other than kidney disease can cause a positive
MA result?
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 37
Any condition where there is increased loss of albumin
into the urine will cause an increased urine albumin.
These MA tests are not specific for PLN of SCWT. (Vaden article, 2002) The following diseases can produce
MA (Source: Heska website):
• Dental disease • Pyoderma • Immune-mediated
diseases • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) • Heartworm disease • Ehrlichiosis • Lyme disease • Diabetes
mellitus • Hyperadrenocorticism • Cushing’s disease •
Hypertension • Neoplasia
Testing for MA
How do I test for MA?
Your veterinarian may offer an “in-office” test, the
Heska E.R.D. Healthscreen®. You can also have your
veterinarian request to have testing for MA added onto
a normal urinalysis panel if the lab (such as Antech)
used offers MA Testing. (Source, Fricks article)
What is the E.R.D test? Is that different from an MA
test done by the lab?
Both tests detect the presence of MA in the urine. The
E.R.D. test is a “semi-qualitative” test done in your
vet’s office. The results will not be in numbers but will
be characterized as ‘negative’, ‘low positive’, ‘medium
positive’, or ‘high positive’. A ‘negative’ means that the
sample has less than 1.0 mg/dl MA. (Source: Heska
website) The test done by the lab (such as Antech)
is quantitative. The result will be a number in mg/dl,
such as 0.5 mg/dl, 2.5 mg/dl, etc. The lab results will
include a “normal” range, i.e., below a certain mg/dl
level. Discuss all results with your veterinarian.
My vet doesn’t have the in-house ERD test. How can
I test for MA?
You can ask to have a quantitative MA test added by
the lab (such as Antech) to your Wheaten’s annual
screening if the test is available.
Which test should I do?
That choice is between you and your veterinarian.
One difference is that the in-house E.R.D. is quick and
you may have your results that day. The lab test may
take a few days. (Note: Many vets no longer stock the
ERD Test as it has a limited shelf life. If at all possible,
request your Urinalysis be done by Antech and add the
MA Test.)
Is there any special protocol…, e.g., fasting, first urine,
special diet or handling, free catch or cystocentesis,
etc…required prior to testing for MA for getting the
most reliable results?
The MA tests can be run in any urine sample collected
by any means providing the sample is not discolored
by the presence of blood (for example: if the dog also
has a urinary tract infection or if urine is collected by
cystosentisis and blood is in the sample). The dog does
not need to be prepared in any particular way prior to
providing the urine specimen.
Who Should Test?
My Wheaten is a pet. Should I test him for MA?
All SCWT should be tested, at least annually. (Vaden
article, 2002)
My Wheaten is a pet but his close relatives (parents
or siblings) are being bred. Should I test him for
MA?
All SCWT should be tested, at least annually. (Vaden
article, 2002)
My Wheaten will be bred. Should I test him for MA?
All SCWT should be tested, at least annually. (Vaden
article, 2002)
How old should my Wheaten be when I start testing
for MA? At what age can I stop?
Because the familial nephropathy occurring in Soft
Coated Wheaten Terriers occurs later in life, testing in
these dogs should begin no later than 1 year of age and
continue annually throughout a Wheaten’s life. (Vaden
2003) A study of over 3,000 dogs showed a higher
prevalence of MA as dogs reach age 9 and over. (See
“Does age affect MA results?”)
I test my dog regularly. All his urinalysis results are
very good and his UPC is consistently at 0.1 or lower.
Why should I do an MA, too?
The MA test is the most sensitive test of urine protein.
This means that this test will become positive at urine
albumin concentrations that are lower than will be
detected by other tests, but still abnormal. Most dogs
with a high positive MA will also have an abnormal
UPC.
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 38
Understanding MA results
Does age affect MA results?
In a large study of 3041 veterinary clinic staff-owned
dogs from over 350 veterinary clinics, the overall
prevalence of MA was 24.7%. The health status of
the dogs was not reported. A statistically significant
correlation was found between increasing age and
MA, with 36% of dogs 9-11 years of age and 49.1% of
dogs 12 and older demonstrating MA. These findings
appear to be in agreement with previous reports of
an increased incidence of certain types of glomerular
disease in older dogs. (Vaden 2003).
The lab my vet uses for testing MA recently
increased its “normal” range from less than 1.0 mg/
dl to less than 2.5 mg/dl. If my Wheaten’s results are
between 1.0 and 2.5, does that mean it is a normal
reading?The lab recently revised their “normal”
readings because the majority of dogs tested fell in
this range. It has been my experience, with our colony
dogs, that those who test between 1 and 2.5 mg/dl
progress to higher values. Perhaps a dog that tests in
that range should have another urine sample checked
in six months instead of one year. Again, it is those
dogs that have a progressive increase that are the ones
to be concerned about.
Is the Wheaten “normal” different than the
“normal” for all dogs in general?No. There is no
evidence that would suggest this at this point.
What is the relationship between MA and Urine
Protein Creatinine ratio (UPC) values?
The MA test and the UPC ratio are both means to
assess urine protein. The MA test only measures urine
albumin where as the UPC ratio measures total protein
in the urine, including albumin. The test for MA is
more sensitive and will be abnormal first. Dogs with
MA values that progress to the high positive and very
high positive will likely have an abnormal UPC ratio.
Do the following impact MA results: Exposure to
tick-borne diseases (Lyme, Erlichia, RMSP) that
shows up according to tests but with no active
disease or treatment or active tick-borne disease
followed by treatment? Will vaccination with the
Lyme Vaccine impact results?An animal can develop
MA anytime there is damage to the glomerular
membrane. Most tick-borne diseases can cause damage
of the basement membrane and therefore lead to MA.
Theoretically, the MA should resolve with appropriate
treatment of the tick-borne disease. Vaccination
should not lead to MA unless there is an adverse
reaction to the vaccine.
If the results are impacted, what should I do?
Retest following appropriate treatment.
Do I need to do both the MA and the UPC tests
every time I test my dogs? If not, when do I test for
MA, and when should I run the UPC?
No. The MA test is an early indicator and might be
abnormal before the UPC. This should be used during
the screening process. Once the MA test results are
high positive or above, the UPC will at some point
become abnormal and can be followed beyond that
point.
If there is a protein-losing problem, will it show up
first in the MA, in the UPC, or in the urine dipstick
results? The studies out of our lab show that the MA
test is positive first, in most dogs. Some dogs progress
so quickly that the window of finding MA, before the
UPC ratio is positive, may be quite narrow and missed.
Urine dipstick results suffer from many false positives.
They should not be relied on because better tests are
available.
Is there a point in the progression of MA detected
(increase in value) at which one would stop testing
for MA and only test the UPC ratio?
Once the MA is more than a medium positive, the
UPC ratio should be abnormal and can be followed
instead.
Since the evidence suggests that the majority of older
dogs will show microalbumin, does this indicate
“age-related” kidney issues versus disease such as
PLN, if the UPC ratio and blood testing show no
indications of disease? This is a very good question.
Older dogs can develop age-related changes in the
kidney called glomerulosclerosis. Glomerulosclerosis
can be associated with mild proteinuria and, therefore,
MA. However, older dogs are also at risk to develop
other diseases that cause primary or secondary damage
to the glomeruli, which will also cause proteinuria
and MA. So, MA in an older dog may indicate
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 39
age-related changes to the kidney or the development
of a glomerular disease, such as PLN of SCWT.
I’ve seen testing where the UPC ratio is 0.3 on a
younger dog, yet the MA is low. Why would that be?
A UPC ratio of 0.3 is within the normal range. The
UPC ratio measures all urine proteins, whereas the
MA test is specific for urine albumin, which is only
one of the urine proteins.
When the MA is higher than normal, what should be
done?
Good question. Again, we need more data. If the urine
albumin concentration is progressively increasing in
a given dog, there is good evidence to suggest that
this dog will progress to develop overt proteinuria
(e.g., PLN). The question of when to intervene has
not been answered completely. However, we know
that proteinuria can lead to progressive damage to
the kidneys and eventual renal failure. Therefore,
animals that have persistent MA may be at risk for
eventual renal failure. Medications that have been
shown to reduce the magnitude of proteinuria,
such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
like benazepril (Lotensin®) or enalapril (Enacard®,
Vasotec®), should be given to dogs with established
proteinuria. We do not yet know the benefit of these
drugs in animals that have only MA. Likewise, lowdose aspirin may be of benefit in dogs with persistent
proteinuria. The question of appropriate diet also
needs to be answered. If PLN develops because of
long-standing inflammation in the gut and perhaps
food allergies, would affected dogs benefit more from
a hydrolysate diet or from a renal diet? This answer is
just not known. The best diet may be a renal diet that
is made from hydrolyzed proteins, but such a diet is
not available. Because the lesions in the kidneys have
probably been there for a long time before the dog
develops proteinuria and we know that animals with
renal disease benefit from a renal diet, my general
leaning is to feed dogs that have only PLN a renal diet.
If however, they have combined PLN and overt PLE,
they may be managed better overall if they are fed a
hydrolysate diet. In any case, it is best to work with a
veterinarian and individualize the affected dog’s care.
(Vaden article, 2002)
Additional Resources
• Q&A with Dr. Vaden: Carlson, Carol. “Frequently
Asked Questions about Fecal API & Urine MA Tests.”
30.4 Benchmarks (December 2002): 49-54.
• Q&A with Dr. Littman: “Canine Health Online – Q &
A.” 31.1 Benchmarks (March 2003): 80-96.”
• Antech Labs article: http://www.antechdiagnostics.
com/clients/antechNews/2004/feb04_02.htm
• Heska (maker of the in-office ERD test) website:
http://www.heska.com/erd/index.asp
• DVM News article: http://www.dvmnewsmagazine.
com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=73072
• Fricks, Crystal B, DVM, et. al, “Microalbuminuria in
the Dog: Detection and Significance” 31.2 Benchmarks
(June 2005)
• More information on Lab Results: Health Websites
for SCWTs.” 31.4 Benchmarks (December 2003) :6971)
---------------------------------------• WA State U, College of Vet Med – What do those lab
tests mean? www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/lab.htm
• Ed Uthman’s Website - Diplomate, American Board
of Pathology http://web2.airmail.net/uthman/lab_test.
html
• Douglas Island Veterinary Service www.home.gci.
net/~divs/disease/lab_tests.html
• Columbia Animal Hospital Website www.cah.com/
library/labtests.html
• The Internet Pathology Laboratory – Urinalysis/
Human http://medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/
URINE/URINE.html
• BUN www.rnceus.com/renal/renalbun.html
• Urine Specific Gravity www.rnceus.com/ua/uasg.
html
About Shelly Vaden, PhD DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Vaden is on the faculty of North Carolina State University in the
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Her faculty position is Professor of Internal Medicine. She received
her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Vaden’s clinical interests include general internal medicine and
diseases of the upper and lower urinary tract. Her Professional
Experience & Qualifications include:
• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Medicine • Internship,
New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell •
Combined residency/graduate program in Small Animal Intenal
Medicine, North Carolina State University • Her Research Area
is diseases of the kidney, with many of her projects focused on
glomerulonephritis. She has a specific interest in protein-losing
enteropathy and nephropathy (PLE and PLN) of Soft Coated
Wheaten Terriers.
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 40
New Members Join SCWTCA
Names: Brian Ness and Michael Weiss
Brian Ness
Occupation: Social Playgroup Dog overnight
boarding and daycare operators in the wine country of
Sonoma, California. Children/Grandchildren: no children, lots of other
animals though. Camels, Freisian horses, Zebu cattle,
chickens, ducks, Jacob sheep, Angora goats, Pygmy
goat, Black swans, miniature donkeys, rabbits....
Name and Ages of Dogs: We currently have Beret
(CH Vintage Green Beret Ballad) who is nine, and
Breeze (CH Vintage Prairie Wind) who is four. We
have two girls that are a year old from our last litter
with Breeze whom we are watching and starting to
show: Whirl (Vintage Like a Whirlwind) and Nor
(Vintage Nor' Easter).
When did you get your first Wheaten? We got our
first Wheaten in 1995 from Robyn Alexander. His
name was Durum (Derryhumma Winter Solstice).
How did you become interested in
Wheatens? Brian had seen Wheatens in the mideighties and then in 1994 we went to a dog show and
started exploring getting a purebred dog because Brian
wanted to get into showing dogs as he had shown
other animals in 4-H as a kid. We narrowed it down to
Wheatens or Kerries. Obviously, the Wheatens won
initially....see next question.
a female that was a granddaughter to Mick. The
granddaughter went to New Zealand where she was
shown to the title best of all breeds for New Zealand
that year. We do not have Kerries right now, but about
seven years ago got our first Irish Wolfhound and have
had one litter since. We currently have the mom, her
son and daughter, have championed the male and are
working on the female.
What activities do you participate in with your
Wheatens? Other than the normal day-to-day
activities, we participate in conformation only right
now.
What is the most memorable thing that has
happened to you and your dog(s)? With the
Wheatens we have had several memorable wins at our
NorCal Specialty, Great Western and Montgomery.
Brian showing Beret at our first Eukanuba show is up
there as well.
When you think of your first Wheaten, what do you
remember most about him/her? Durum was a great
companion and initiated us into the world of showing
Wheatens.
Why did you decide to join SCWTCA? Best answer
is: It was time! And who can't love Wheatens???
Brian and Michael were sponsored by Kay Baird and
Pat Mullin. Brian contributes his grooming, breeding,
rescue and training skills to SCWTCA. Michael offers
his breeding, rescue, stewarding and training skills.
What breeds of dogs have you had other than
Wheatens? Kerries, Irish Wolfhounds, and Great
Pyrenees. We did eventually get a Kerry Blue Terrier
from Nancy Han that was a son to Mick and then
Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 41
Michael Weiss
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Benchmarks Editor
Molly O’Connell
moconn1030@comcast.net
Benchmarks is the official quarterly publication of
SCWTCA, Inc. The opinions expressed in articles
contained herein are those of the authors and not
necessarily those of the Editor, or the Officers and
Directors of the Club. The Editor reserves the right
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Benchmarks . volume 42 . number 2 . page 42
GCH Gleanngay Legend of the Grail x CH Stratford Top O' the Mornin’
CH Stratford As
Legend Has It
“Renly”
finished in nine
shows, undefeated,
with six BOBs
CH Doubloon's
Southern Comfort
“Gator”
finished with three
majors, then a group 4
his first weekend out
as a special.
Stratford Bestseller
“Harper”
Also a littermate,
will soon end this
chapter with her
Championship
Doubloon Wheatens
Elena Landa
Stratford Wheatens
Molly O'Connell